Dr. Celia Elias, MD – Family Physician | Tucson, AZ

Dr. Celia Elias, MD is a Family Physician practicing at her clinic in Tucson, AZ. She is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, patient-centered family medical care. Dr. Celia Elias is currently welcoming new patients to her practice. Please call (520) 886-5315 to inquire or schedule an appointment.

Dr. Celia Elias, MD is a family medicine physician in Tucson, AZ and has over 45 years of experience in the medical field. She provides continuous and comprehensive primary medical care for individuals and families across all ages and life stages. This includes preventative care, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, and management of ongoing health needs, serving as the central point for patient care. She serves patients of all ages and offers consultations in Spanish. With over 45 years of dedicated experience in family medicine, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients. She graduated from UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA / COLLEGE OF EDUCATION in 1976. She is affiliated with Tucson Medical Center. She is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Celia Elias is registered with The Arizona Medical Board and practices under the Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 32, Chapter 13 (Medicine and Surgery).

Dr. Celia Elias is committed to evidence-based medicine, patient education, and fostering collaborative physician-patient relationships. Her approach emphasizes understanding each patient's unique needs and working together to develop personalized treatment plans. Dr. Celia Elias looks forward to continuing to serve the Tucson community and providing the highest quality of care to her patients for many years to come.

Dr. Celia Elias addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Cold Sore: Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus and typically manifest as painful blisters on the lips or mouth.
• Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis): Pinkeye is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the membrane lining the inside of the eyelids and covering the white part of the eye.
• Asthma: Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.
• Sleep Apnea: Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, often leading to daytime sleepiness and other health problems.
• Hives: Hives are itchy, raised welts on the skin that can be caused by various triggers, such as allergies or infections.
• Plantar Fasciitis: Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot, causing heel pain.
• Radiculopathy: Radiculopathy is pain that originates from a nerve root in the spine, often causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the arm or leg.
• Lyme Disease: Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted through the bite of infected ticks, potentially causing a wide range of symptoms.
• Allergic Rhinitis: Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, is an allergic reaction to airborne allergens, causing symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.
• Itchy Skin: Itchy skin, or pruritus, can result from various conditions, including dry skin, allergies, or skin diseases.
• Acne: Acne is a common skin condition characterized by pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads, often caused by hormonal changes and clogged pores.
• Enlarged Prostate (BPH): Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an enlargement of the prostate gland, which can cause urinary problems in men.
• Shingles: Shingles is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox, causing a painful rash.
• Balanoposthitis: Balanoposthitis is inflammation of the foreskin and glans penis, often caused by infection or irritation.

Please note: This list highlights some common health concerns that Dr. Celia Elias addresses and is for informational purposes only; it does not constitute medical advice. The range of conditions a Family Physician manages is broad, and this list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive understanding of how she can assist with your specific health needs or to discuss any particular symptoms you are experiencing, it's always best to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Dr. Celia Elias offers a range of services to meet her patients' healthcare needs, such as:

• Home Sleep Study: A home sleep study allows for convenient monitoring of sleep patterns and breathing to diagnose sleep disorders like sleep apnea.
• Mammography: Mammography is an X-ray examination of the breasts used to detect breast cancer.
• Syphilis Screening: Syphilis screening involves testing for the presence of the bacteria that cause syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection.
• Alcohol Misuse Screening and Counseling: Screening and counseling help identify and address alcohol misuse or dependence.
• Osteoporosis Screening: Osteoporosis screening helps detect bone density loss, a risk factor for fractures.
• Gonorrhea Screening: Gonorrhea screening tests for the presence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a bacteria causing a sexually transmitted infection.
• Chlamydia Infection Screening: Chlamydia screening tests for Chlamydia trachomatis, a bacteria causing a common sexually transmitted infection.
• Diabetes Counseling: Diabetes counseling provides education and support for managing diabetes.
• Cardiovascular Disease Counseling: Cardiovascular disease counseling helps patients reduce their risk of heart disease.
• Immunization Administration: Immunization administration provides protection against various infectious diseases.
• Psychiatric Evaluation: A psychiatric evaluation helps assess mental health conditions and develop appropriate treatment plans.
• Blood Allergy Testing: Blood allergy testing identifies specific allergens causing allergic reactions.
• Independent Educational Evaluation: An independent educational evaluation assesses a child's learning needs and abilities.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): An electrocardiogram (EKG) measures the electrical activity of the heart.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Celia Elias. Service availability can change and not all services listed may be appropriate or offered to every patient. The scope of services can vary. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services or to discuss your specific healthcare needs, it's always best to schedule a consultation. Some specialized procedures or advanced diagnostic tests may require referral to a specialist.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Family Physicians in Arizona and adhere to the ethical and professional guidelines set forth by The Arizona Medical Board.

Dr. Celia Elias is dedicated to partnering with patients to achieve their unique health objectives. Whether it's managing common concerns or pursuing preventative wellness, she helps patients set and reach meaningful goals. The following examples illustrate how this collaborative approach with Dr. Celia Elias can make a difference in patients' lives:

• With prompt treatment, patients experiencing shingles found relief from the painful rash and were able to return to their normal activities much sooner than expected. This allowed them to resume enjoying their favorite hobbies and spending quality time with loved ones without the persistent discomfort.
• With consistent treatment, patients find relief from the heel pain of plantar fasciitis, enabling them to return to activities they enjoy, such as walking, running, and even dancing. Their improved mobility significantly enhances their overall quality of life.
• With effective treatment, patients find relief from the itching and discomfort of hives, allowing them to comfortably participate in social events and daily activities without the worry of a sudden outbreak. This restored quality of life empowers them to fully enjoy their lives again.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of how patients, with the support of Dr. Celia Elias, can achieve positive health outcomes and resume meaningful activities. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

The practice is situated in a family medicine practice in the Tucson, Arizona area. It is conveniently located near key city attractions and public services in Tucson and is generally accessible via local transportation options serving Tucson. The clinic is designed to be accessible to all patients, with features to accommodate various mobility needs. Parking options are generally accessible near the clinic; please inquire when scheduling if you have specific parking needs.

Understanding your insurance coverage is an important step in planning your healthcare with Dr. Celia Elias. The clinic may accept a variety of insurance plans. Below is a list of some insurance networks that Dr. Celia Elias or the clinic may be affiliated with. However, this list is subject to change and may not be exhaustive.

• Aetna
  • Plan: Choice Plus, Type: POS II
  • Plan: Elect Choice (Open Access), Type: EPO
  • Plan: Managed Choice (Open Access), Type: POS
  • Plan: Open Choice, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Plan: Blue Card, Type: PPO
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
  • Plan: Statewide - AZ, Type: EPO
• Cigna
  • Plan: Cigna PPO
  • Plan: Open Access Plus
• Curative
  • Plan: Curative EPO
  • Plan: Curative PPO
  • Plan: Curative PPO Plus
• UnitedHealthCare
  • Plan: Choice Plus, Type: POS
  • Plan: Medica Choice
  • Plan: Navigate, Type: HMO
  • Plan: Navigate, Type: POS
  • Plan: Nexus Open Access
  • Plan: Options, Type: PPO

Important Note on Insurance Verification:

Insurance networks and accepted plans can change frequently and without prior notice. The list above, if provided, is for general guidance only and may not be completely up-to-date or cover all specific plans within a network. It is imperative that patients personally verify that Dr. Celia Elias is currently an in-network provider for their specific insurance plan, and fully understand all coverage details (including co-pays, deductibles, co-insurance requirements, and any need for referrals or pre-authorizations for services with Dr. Celia Elias) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (520) 886-5315 when you call to schedule. While our staff can assist with general insurance questions, your insurance company is the definitive source for your coverage information. Understanding your benefits ahead of time helps prevent unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.

Please be aware that some services, such as certain preventative screenings not covered under your specific plan, administrative forms, or non-medically necessary procedures, may not be covered by insurance and could be your financial responsibility.

Dr. Celia Elias may be affiliated with one or more local hospitals to ensure seamless care for patients requiring hospitalization. Affiliations can include:

• Tucson Medical Center (Tucson, AZ)

She earned her medical degree from UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA / COLLEGE OF EDUCATION in 1976.

She is Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Board of Family Medicine.

Are services from Dr. Celia Elias typically covered by health insurance in Arizona?

As a Family Physician in Arizona, Dr. Celia Elias likely accepts a variety of health insurance plans, including major private insurers, Medicare, and potentially state Medicaid programs (patients should verify Medicaid participation directly). However, it is absolutely imperative that you verify with your specific insurance provider AND with our clinic's office prior to an appointment to confirm that Dr. Celia Elias is 'in-network' for your plan and to understand your specific coverage details, including co-pays, deductibles, co-insurance, and any referral requirements for specialist visits if applicable. Some services (e.g., most cosmetic procedures, some administrative forms, non-medically necessary visits) may not be covered by insurance and could result in out-of-pocket expenses. Please ask the clinic about policies for uninsured or self-pay patients if applicable.

Do I typically need a referral to see Dr. Celia Elias as my Family Physician, or to see a specialist?

Generally, you do not need a referral from another doctor to see Dr. Celia Elias to establish care as your Family Physician/Primary Care Physician (PCP), provided she is accepting new patients. However, to see most medical specialists (e.g., cardiologist, dermatologist), Dr. Celia Elias will typically provide a referral after an assessment. Many insurance plans, particularly HMOs (Health Maintenance Organizations), do require a referral from your designated PCP (Dr. Celia Elias, if so chosen) for specialist visits to be covered. PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans may offer more flexibility for self-referral to specialists, but this might result in higher out-of-pocket costs if the specialist is out-of-network or if a referral would have secured better coverage. Always check the referral requirements of your specific insurance plan.

What does 'preventative care' involve with a Family Physician like Dr. Celia Elias in the US?

Preventative care with Dr. Celia Elias focuses on keeping you healthy and identifying potential health problems before they become serious, often guided by recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), CDC, and other national bodies like the American Cancer Society or American Heart Association. This involves a range of services tailored to your age, gender, and risk factors, such as routine check-ups (annual physicals or wellness visits, often covered by insurance without co-pay), age-appropriate cancer screenings (e.g., Pap tests/HPV, mammograms, colon cancer screening, lung cancer screening for high-risk individuals), immunizations (flu shots, shingles, pneumococcal, Tdap), blood pressure and cholesterol checks, screening for diabetes and obesity, counseling on healthy lifestyle choices (diet, exercise, smoking cessation, responsible alcohol use), and risk assessments for various conditions. The goal is to prevent illness, detect diseases early, and promote long-term health.

What does PCP mean and is Dr. Celia Elias one?

PCP stands for Primary Care Physician. Yes, Dr. Celia Elias, as a Family Physician, serves as a PCP for her patients. Your PCP is your main doctor for general health needs, preventative care (like annual physicals and screenings), and is usually the first point of contact for most medical issues, both acute and chronic. She manages a wide range of health concerns and coordinates your overall care, including providing referrals to specialists if needed. Many health insurance plans in the US, especially HMOs, require you to select or be assigned a designated PCP to oversee your care and authorize specialist visits.

Can Dr. Celia Elias help with mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Absolutely. Dr. Celia Elias is well-equipped to address a wide range of mental health issues as part of comprehensive family medicine. She can help diagnose conditions like anxiety or depression, provide counseling and support, manage psychotropic medications when appropriate (monitoring for effectiveness and side effects), and coordinate care with mental health specialists if required, ensuring your overall care plan is holistic. If you're struggling with your mental well-being, Dr. Celia Elias is an excellent person to start the conversation with and seek help from in a confidential and supportive environment.

What should I bring with me to my appointment with Dr. Celia Elias?

To each appointment with Dr. Celia Elias at the clinic, please ensure you have all your current health insurance cards and a photo ID. A current, detailed list of all your medications (name, dose, frequency, prescribing doctor if not Dr. Celia Elias) is very important. If you're coming about a specific issue and have related reports (like X-rays, specialist letters, or recent lab results from elsewhere), please bring those along. It's also a good idea to jot down any questions or symptoms you want to discuss with Dr. Celia Elias beforehand so you don't forget anything important. You may also want to check with the clinic beforehand about their payment policy for co-pays or services not covered by insurance.

What if Dr. Celia Elias works in a group practice or medical group? Will I always see Dr. Celia Elias?

Dr. Celia Elias practices as part of a group practice, which often means you have access to a team of healthcare professionals, potentially including other physicians, nurse practitioners (NPs), physician assistants (PAs), nurses, medical assistants, and sometimes on-site or closely affiliated dietitians or behavioral health specialists. While the goal is always to promote continuity with your primary Family Physician, Dr. Celia Elias, for some urgent same-day issues, routine follow-ups for stable conditions, or if Dr. Celia Elias is unavailable (e.g., on vacation or at a conference), you might be offered an appointment with another trusted member of the care team. This collaborative, team-based approach can enhance access to care, provide comprehensive support, and ensure your needs are met promptly. The clinic will always strive to have you see Dr. Celia Elias for complex or ongoing issues where that established physician-patient relationship is most crucial.

What happens if Dr. Celia Elias determines I need to see a medical specialist?

As your Family Physician/PCP, Dr. Celia Elias acts as your primary care coordinator. If she believes your condition requires specialized assessment or treatment, she will explain why a specialist consultation is necessary and will arrange the referral. This process will consider your insurance plan's requirements for specialist referrals and in-network providers. Dr. Celia Elias will send your pertinent medical details to the specialist. It's important to keep our clinic informed of any specialist appointments you attend and any new diagnoses or treatments recommended by the specialist so Dr. Celia Elias can continue to coordinate your overall care effectively and maintain a complete medical record.

5981 E Grant Rd Ste 115
Tucson AZ 85712
Phone: (520) 886-5315

Dr. Celia Elias, MD is regulated by the Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 32, Chapter 13 (Medicine and Surgery) in Arizona and is licensed by The Arizona Medical Board.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1932192747

Registration can typically be verified through The Arizona Medical Board website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Family Physicians like Dr. Celia Elias are skilled in managing a wide range of health issues. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your Family Physician about all aspects of your health, including any treatments received from other practitioners or specialists.